The Night Before St. Patrick's (Race) Day

'Twas the night before St. Patrick's (Race) Day, and all through the house,

not a creature was stirring... we hope not a mouse!

Her pencil-box trap N set by the front door with care

in hopes that a leprechaun would get stuck in there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds

while visions of chocolate coins (from leprechauns) danced in their heads.

And Mama in her pajamas, and Daddy not making a peep,

Have just settled down for a pre-half-marathon sleep.

A crust of freshly baked Irish Soda bread I hold tight in my teeth;

tomorrow when race is finished, we'll all have corned beef.

And so I exclaim, as I look forward to the dawn,

"Happy St. Patrick's Day to all, and happy first half-marathon!"

(Please excuse my lameness.  I'm not a poet, and I know it.)